BCTA MEMBERSHIP STATUS
Alumni

SECTOR
Consumer Goods

HEADQUARTERS
Australia

REGION OF INITIATIVE
Asia & Pacific

SDG CONTRIBUTION

RELATED NEWS

Ethical clothing manufacturer The Fabric Social joined BCtA in April 2019 with a commitment to provide fair labour for women in Northeast India. This includes sustaining 2,400 days of contractual work by 2021, developing 300 days of artisanal training by 2022, and creating 200 days of business management and sales development training for conflict affected women by 2023.

The international garment manufacturing industry has faced increased scrutiny as concerns about the source of labour and materials rise. The International Labour Organisation estimates that there are 152 million child labourers and 24.9 million victims of forced labour, with 60 percent of forced labour being exploited by private enterprise.

Inspired by statistics like these, The Fabric Social chose to focus on supporting women in conflict affected areas, creating partnerships that would allow them to earn a livable wage while creating fabrics and clothing.

“We decided to establish working partnerships in Assam and Mizoram, areas in Northeast India where people have been affected by conflict, and in many cases were actively involved as political activists, leaders and supporters. That region of India suffers from some of the worst unemployment rates in the country,” said co-founder Fiona McAlpine. “In addition to this, it was clear from our research that many Australian brands were not fully focused on ethically sourcing their materials and labour. The Fabric Social seemed like a natural solution to these issues.”

By partnering with local organisations, The Fabric Social now provides fair and well-paid work for unemployed women in these regions, and the relationship has resulted in attracting other buyers for the women’s cooperatives in those communities.

The social enterprise is executing its company strategy in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1,4, 5 and 8, which include ending poverty, inclusive and equitable education, gender equality and sustainable economic growth. McAlpine said her organisation’s commitments as part of the BCtA and to the SDGs, are part of the very ethos of The Fabric Social.